Attention! A zebra (toad)!
What do you do when you approach a pedestrian crossing? Do you moderate your speed or drive just as fast? Do you see the pedestrian ready to cross in plenty of time?
There are more than 100 pedestrian crossings in the municipality of Kerkrade. Drivers (all persons participating in traffic except pedestrians) are obliged to give way to pedestrians and disabled vehicles crossing via a crosswalk. We regularly receive reports from the municipality of Kerkrade about dangerous situations at pedestrian crossings. Motorists do not pay attention or drive much too fast. As a result, they see too late that someone is ready to cross.
We have taken several measures at pedestrian crossings in Kerkrade municipality to make crossing as safe as possible. For example, the edges of traffic signs have been made reflective, we have installed additional lighting and cat eyes and reflective attention boxes.
We would like to pay extra attention to safety at pedestrian crossings. Therefore, for the next four weeks, starting October 2, a life-size zebra will be on display at several crosswalks. Although the municipality is doing everything possible to make pedestrian crossings as safe and visible as possible, it is up to you, the driver of a vehicle, to pay close attention when approaching a pedestrian crossing. The life-size zebra is at a safe distance from pedestrian crossings so that it does not distract drivers' attention from the pedestrian crossing.
Alderman Alexander Geers (Traffic and Transportation): " Traffic safety is a responsibility of all traffic participants. Unfortunately, it is still too common for motorists and cyclists to overlook, or ignore, a crosswalk. This zebra will provide an extra reminder and hopefully bring a smile as well."
What do you do when approaching a pedestrian crossing?
A safe crosswalk is important for the safety of everyone but especially necessary for vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, disabled and children. We will give you a small refresher course on how to handle pedestrian crossings as a driver:
- Reduce your speed and be prepared to stop.
- Do not overtake other vehicles just before or on a pedestrian crossing.
- Be prepared for pedestrians you may not be able to see right away due to other vehicles, obstacles or crowds.
- Health make sure you are not distracted by your phone, navigation or anything else while approaching a pedestrian crossing.
What do you do when you cross yourself at a crosswalk?
- Stop at the edge of the crosswalk.
- Look left and right to see if cars or bikes are approaching.
- Make eye contact with the driver so you can be sure they have seen you.
- Wait for cars to stop before you start crossing.
- Keep looking carefully around you as you cross.
Take part and win!
Can you guess how many crosswalks there are in the municipality of Kerkrade? Then you have a chance to win 2 free tickets to GaiaZOO. Two winners will be chosen who guess the number or closest to it. You can send your answer to gemeentehuis@kerkrade.nl until October 25 . We will contact the two winners of the promotion via the email address they used to participate.
Let's work together to ensure that everyone in Kerkrade municipality can cross safely!
